Band Program Shows Their Colors for Pioneer Blast

On Saturday, March 25 Sacred Heart University’s Band Program held their latest concert in the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts: Pioneer Blast.

Conducted by Director of Bands Keith Johnston, over 100 Pep Band members performed in the event.

The Pep Band plays at home games for the basketball and hockey teams and travels with the teams for conference and national playoffs.

The concert consisted of popular pieces they’ve performed throughout the school year featuring music by Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Green Day, Dropkick Murphys and more.

“The music was very incredible and breathtaking. I have never been to a band concert at Sacred Heart before, but the band was really awesome,” said junior Alexander Di Paola. “My favorite song the band played was ‘Crazy Train.’ It is one of my favorite songs.”

In some of the pieces, music wasn’t made with traditional instruments. Band members used everyday objects like trash cans, brooms and basketballs.

“It shows how music can be anything you want it to be and strays away from a typical band,” said freshman Kelly Aarons.

A drumline is a section of percussion instruments usually played as part of a musical marching ensemble.

“My favorite song that we played was the piece with the trash cans,” said sophomore Heartbeat percussion group member Nicole Bettinelli. “It is known as the most popular piece that we play, for sure, and the audience always loves it.”

Some of the songs that were played were “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, “Hey Baby!” by Bruce Channel and “Gimme Some Lovin” by The Spencer Davis Group. Some of the numbers incorporated dance moves into the performance.

“My favorite song is ‘Gimme Some Lovin’ because everyone else hates it,” said senior band member Edward Caperna. “It is fun for me to play since it’s fast paced and I have it memorized.”

Prior to the event, the Pep Band met for two and a half hours a week to put together and run through the pieces.

“We have practiced this music for a while, so we have had the music prepared and ready,” said freshman band member Jonathan Schores.

The Band Program’s next event is the Instrumental Chamber Ensembles’ concert on Sunday, April 23 at 3 p.m.

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